dab

[ dab ]

See synonyms for dab on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),dabbed, dab·bing.

to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist: The child dabbed his eyes with the handkerchief.
to apply (a substance) by light strokes: He dabbed the ointment on the rash.

to strike, especially lightly, as with the hand.
to consume (cannabis) by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil.
Masonry. to dress (stonework) with a pointed tool.
Western U.S. to throw (a rope or line) in an effort to lasso or catch something: Joe dabbed his rope on the steer.

verb (used without object),dabbed, dab·bing.

to strike lightly; make a dab; pat: She dabbed at the stain on her dress.
to consume cannabis by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil. She dabs for a more intense high.

noun

a quick or light blow; a pat, as with the hand or something soft.
a small moist lump or mass: a dab of butter.

a small quantity: a dab of powder.
a dose of cannabis extract oil.
a dance move that involves posing with one’s nose in the crook of a bent elbow at chest level while extending the other arm to the side at or above shoulder level, often performed as a celebratory posture in sports or other competitions.

Origin of dab

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English verb dabben “to strike, hit,” of uncertain origin; compare Old Icelandic dabba “to strike, tap,” Norwegian dabbe “to shuffle along, walk slowly,” Middle Dutch dabben “to pinch, knead,” German tappen “to feel along, grope”

Other words for dab

10	pat, bit; dollop, smidgen

See synonyms for dab on Thesaurus.com

Other definitions for dab (2 of 4)

dab²

[ dab ]

noun

any of several flatfishes of the genus Limanda, especially the European flatfish, L. limanda.

Origin of dab

First recorded in 1570–80; perhaps special use of dab¹

Other definitions for dab (3 of 4)

dab³

[ dab ]

noun

Also called dab hand . a person skilled in something; an expert.
an excellent or extraordinary person or thing.

adjective

expert; excellent; extraordinary.

Origin of dab

First recorded in 1685–95; of uncertain origin

Other definitions for DAB (4 of 4)

DAB

Dictionary of American Biography.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dab in a sentence

They can also shine through layers of paint—so bee thieves can’t easily cover up an identifying dab on the outside of a hive box.
Bee theft is almost a perfect crime—but there’s a new sheriff in town | Andrew Zaleski | February 9, 2021 | Popular-Science
She dabbed them with a tissue and continued without ceremony.
Embedding With the Women Who Are Kicking ISIS Ass | Susannah George | December 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
I dabbed on some Valentina, to see if that might improve the situation.
Chipotle's New Vegan Burrito: Meh | Winston Ross | July 31, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
She had been portrayed in a modernist manner: her face all dabbed, violent brushstrokes, her eyes disturbed.
Welcome to Woolwich, Where English Terrorists Say Sorry While They Murder | Peter Pomerantsev | May 23, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
His beard was long, and his forehead dabbed with an exclamation mark of red paint.
The Fugitive Guru | Ben Crair | June 21, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST

At the long defense table surrounded by a team of six, Casey Anthony's face reddened and she silently dabbed at her nose and eyes.
Casey's Bombshell Accusation | Diane Dimond | May 24, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
Mimi burst into tears, and vigorously dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief.
The Devil | Joseph O'Brien
Elsa sobbed and dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief, not noticing that the man was amused.
The Devil | Joseph O'Brien
He dabbed at a cut on his temple from which issued a tiny crimson stream, and jauntily shook back his hair.
Freckles | Gene Stratton-Porter
He rubbed old panels with his sleeve and dabbed wet sponges on surfaces that had sunk.
The Tragic Muse | Henry James
I dabbed and sluiced, but nothing I could do seemed to check the flow; it went on, obstinate and irrepressible.
Love Among the Lions | F. Anstey

British Dictionary definitions for dab (1 of 4)

dab¹

/ (dæb) /

verbdabs, dabbing or dabbed

to touch lightly and quickly
(tr) to daub with short tapping strokes: to dab the wall with paint

(tr) to apply (paint, cream, etc) with short tapping strokes

noun

a small amount, esp of something soft or moist: a dab of ink
a small light stroke or tap, as with the hand

(often plural) mainly British a slang word for fingerprint

Origin of dab

C14: of imitative origin

British Dictionary definitions for dab (2 of 4)

dab²

/ (dæb) /

noun

a small common European brown flatfish, Limanda limanda, covered with rough toothed scales: family Pleuronectidae: a food fish
(often plural) any of various other small flatfish, esp flounders: Compare sand dab

Also called: patiki a sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebia, common around New Zealand's South Island

Origin of dab

C15: from Anglo-French dabbe, of uncertain origin

British Dictionary definitions for dab (3 of 4)

dab³

/ (dæb) /

noun

British informal See dab hand

Origin of dab

C17: perhaps from dab 1 (vb)

British Dictionary definitions for DAB (4 of 4)

DAB

abbreviation for

digital audio broadcasting

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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